AOW: Hellum records offensive and defensive trifecta

In a fairly disappointing season for the Central Union High football team, there have been a few bright spots.

One of the brightest spots on Central's squad is running back/defensive back Anthony Hellum.

The 16-year-old senior has been the most consistent player on the squad and added to his resúmé Friday with a three-touchdown, three-interception performance in Central's 21-7 Imperial Valley League win over Palo Verde. He also returned an interception for a touchdown with five seconds remaining in the game but it was called back because of a penalty.

"I really felt the whole team had to have a big game and step up, not just one player," said the 5-foot-11, 165-pounder. "We were going into the game 0-1 in league and I knew we needed a big game. So during practice all that week I practiced really hard on defense. So I think all that extra work paid off."

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If there is one person on the Spartans who deserves to gloat about his accomplishments, it is Hellum. But bragging about himself is the last thing you'll hear coming from Hellum. Even after stellar a performance Friday, he said he wasn't totally happy with his play.

"I think I could've and should've ran harder, I should've made some more blocks … there were a lot of things I could've done better," said Hellum. "I wasn't satisfied with what I did. I'm never satisfied. I always feel that I can do better than what I did. I just feel like I need to work on those extra things to get better to help this team."

While Hellum isn't one to talk about his value to the team, Central coach Joe Apodaca is.

"He's just always all over the place on the field and he's been one of our most consistent guys," said Apodaca. "He works his tail off, works hard, is never late for workouts or practice and just leads by example and always goes 100 mph. He's exactly the kind of guy we want.

"Anthony's not very vocal, but he just leads by example. And I think the rest of the guys on this team follow his lead," Apodaca said. "For being as good as he is, he's not a prima donna. Sure, down the road we'll have athletes like him, but what sets him apart is the kind of person he is. It's really hard to find that kind of kid. He's just been a real pleasure to coach."